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The apostle then gives some special concluding exhortations: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving."

I. THE DUTY OF PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER.

1. This does not imply that we are to devote all our time to prayer; for it would be inconsistent

(1) with other duties;

(2) with man's mental and moral nature;

(3) with the design of prayer itself.

2. It implies that we are to be often engaged in prayer.

(1) There is nothing more sanctifying and refreshing and strengthening to the soul.

(2) Continuance in prayer brings larger blessings from on high.

(3) The Scripture contains many examples of continuance in prayer (David, Daniel, Paul, our Lord himself).

(4) The delay in the answers to prayer ought to lead us to persevere therein, because

(a) it may lead to a deeper sense of want;

(b) our faith and patience need to be tiled;

(c) the time for the answers may not have come.

II. THE DUTY OF WATCHFULNESS IS PRAYER.

1. We must be watchful as to the spirit of prayer, not indolent and remiss.

2. We must watch for arguments in prayer.

3. We must watch or suitable praying seasons.

4. We must watch against watchlessness.

5. We must watch for the answers to prayer.

6. Remember Christ's example as he watched in prayer. (Matthew 14:23, 25.)

III. THE DUTY OF JOINING THANKSGIVING WITH OUR SUPPLICATIONS AND OUR WATCHING,

1. We must always in prayer give thanks for mercies received. (Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17.)

2. We must thank him in praises.

3. God answers according to our gratitude for mercies received. - T.C.

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KJV: Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

WEB: Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;